The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and a former governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba, have hailed Chief Kessington Adebutu, popularly known as Baba Ijebu, over a newly constructed media resource centre.
The centre, named ‘Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu Media Resource Centre’ was unveiled on Wednesday at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, located in Ogba, Lagos, and is expected to be a resourceful and innovative centre in aiding journalistic works.
Speaking at the event, Edun lauded the businessman, philanthropist and a Fellow of the NIJ, Adebutu, noting that his commitment to the project was a support to the pillars of education, particularly in the area of infrastructure.
Edun said, “What he (Adebutu) has done is to stylishly help us with the pillar of education. We say the first is access, and this is the commitment of President Bola Tinubu – to give access to education for all, and of course, the institution deals with the issue of curriculum.
“But infrastructure is also important in the duty of education and that is for all of us, and that is what Sir Adebutu is doing today – stepping in as a partner of government, a partner of the institution in the educational sector – to deliver this mighty edifice.
“So let me on behalf of all of us thank Chief Kessington Adebutu for this media resource centre which is going to be of tremendous value to all who use it at NIJ, including outside guests and visiting fellows.” They will all have this resource.
“When I drove by, we almost went past because the last time I was at this site, this was bare land where there is now this mighty edifice. That’s progress, that’s development, that’s what a successful man can do.”
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, lauded Adebutu for his commitment to national development.
“It’s a day of speeches because when you see something that is good, it will not be nice for you to just be quiet and not talk about it.
“As I was coming in, I heard Baba Osoba talking about how this edifice was put together and all of the things that went on before we came to where we are today, and I was touched.
“But for me, it’s not something new. I have seen the handwriting of Baba Ijebu all over the place. Not only in Lagos, and not only in journalism or education. You will be surprised that it is in sports.”
“I thank him for sparing a thought for this very important aspect of nation-building. And whatever the Lagos State government needs to do to support whatever good cause anybody is doing to improve journalism in our society, we will continue to do so,” the governor said.
On his part, Osoba described Adebutu as someone every politician could count on and trust.
“Baba Ijebu is somebody that we politicians trust. He is so generous that for every party that comes to him, he will give a donation,” the former governor and journalist said.
“We are here today not (just) to commission this building but to celebrate this great Nigerian,” he added.
He explained how Adebutu donated hugely to the project despite his commitment to a number of politicians during the 2023 elections.
“After the elections, he told us he was ready and he decided that he would pay 90 per cent of the cost of the construction of this building,” Osoba said.
He added, “To my shock, after the building was completed, Baba Ijebu again sent N23m, and he said we should go and furnish the place.
“So today, we are celebrating a great Nigerian, a man of honour, a man of his word, a man who knows his civic responsibility.”
Adebutu, whose son, Ladi, delivered a speech on his behalf, said he was elated to be associated with the project, emphasising the need to give back to society as much as possible.
Adebutu said, “I feel a sense of pride to be associated with this project as a donor, and particularly for the fact that the project is in sync with the objectives of my foundation, which in essence is to give back as much as possible to the society what God in His unquantifiable goodness has favoured me with.
“Irrespective of clan, religion, biases, and political limits, all glory and thanks to the good Lord.
“We will be dedicating this project soonest, and henceforward, I enjoin all those associated with this project, and indeed all passing through its portal, to make good use of it, much as I pray in the fourth estate of the realm, which the media represents, to continue to expand in leaps and bounds.”
The Provost of NIJ, Gbenga Adefaye, appreciated Adebutu for the project and thanked all the stakeholders present.
The event was graced by the Founder and Publisher, Vanguard Newspapers, Sam Amuka, and several other media and political stakeholders.